Variants

Last updated March 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM

We track COVID-19 variants in California to fight the spread of the disease.

On this page:

Variants in California

California genetically sequences a sample of positive COVID-19 tests to determine their variant. Knowing what variants are circulating in California informs public health and clinical action.

This chart shows the sample of sequenced positive tests where the variant was identified. Sequencing can only be done at specialized labs. It usually occurs several days or more after a test is identified as positive for COVID-19. Not all positive COVID-19 tests are genetically sequenced.

  • % of sequenced
    specimens
  • Data is updated on Fridays. The chart has data on specimens collected through {CHART_LAST_DATE} and was updated on {CHART_PUBLISH_DATE}. The California Department of Public Health has more information and data about variants.
  • Week ending
  • Pending
  • Data incomplete for recent dates
  • All time
  • 6 months
  • 90 days

Variants source data

Chart information
  • This chart is made using California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Genomic Surveillance Data.
  • These percentages are based on a 7-day average with a 14-day lag.
  • These percentages are based on a sampling of positive COVID-19 tests. They do not represent the total number of infections in California.
  • This does not represent all sequences completed to date.
  • This chart does not show all variants identified. It shows only those that are or were considered variants of concern.
  • The California Department of Public Health works with many partners to achieve a goal of sequencing at least 10% of all positive tests. This creates a confident projection of variant distribution in California.
  • We update this data weekly.
  • Learn more about how California genetically sequences positive COVID-19 tests.

Explore more data

State data

Statewide and county cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and tests, including by vaccination status, gender, and age

Vaccination data

State and county data about vaccination, including by race and ethnicity and age

Health equity data

How COVID-19 has affected different communities across the state

Data and tools

In-depth models, dashboards, databases, and information about California’s COVID-19 data reporting